Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Contents
Introduction to the Code of Conduct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Personal Conduct and Our Work Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Diversity, Equal Opportunity and Respect
Violence, Threats and Weapons
Alcohol and Illegal Drugs
Solicitation and Distribution by Employees and Third Parties
Employee Privacy
Health and Safety
Financial Statement Integrity and Company Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Conflicts of Interest and Personal Integrity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Secondary Employment and Outside Business Ventures
Memberships on Corporate Boards or Advisory Committees
Financial Interests in Other Companies
Insider Trading
Theft and Fraud
Gifts and Other Business Courtesies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Giving or Accepting Business Courtesies
Anti-Corruption Laws and Business Courtesies
to Government Officials/Customers
Use of Company Assets and Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Information and Technology Resources
Software and Hardware Licensing
Travel and Entertainment
Political Contributions and Activities
Charitable Contributions
Confidential Information
Dealing with Others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Human Rights
Contracting with Others
Sales and Marketing
Customer Privacy
Commitment to the Environment
Speaking on Behalf of Dell
Dealing with Competitors
International Trade Import and Export Control
Government Contracts and Relations
Raising/Resolving Issues and Concerns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Open-Door Policy
Raising Concerns or Reporting Violations
Internal Investigations
Ethics Committees and Offices
Conclusion and Certificate of Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
PersonalConductandOurWorkEnvironment
Diversity, Equal Opportunity and Respect Dell values the diversity of its workforce.
Dell's approach to diversity is defined by inclusiveness, respect and fostering a culture
that allows each individual to contribute to his or her fullest potential.
Dell is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees
and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and
harassment, including sexual harassment. All employment decisions at Dell are based on
company needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to legally
protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including
pregnancy), age, disability, HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status,
past or present military service or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in
the locations where we operate. Dell will not tolerate discrimination based on any of
these characteristics, nor harassment of any of our employees.
Dell employees should report discrimination, harassment, retaliation or other
inappropriate conduct directed at themselves or others. Reports of such incidents should
be made to your management, Human Resources representative or the Ethics office. All
such reports will be investigated promptly and appropriate corrective action will be taken.
No employee who makes good faith reports of discrimination, harassment, retaliation or
other inappropriate conduct will be subjected to reprisal or damage to their career,
reputation or employment at Dell.
Violence, Threats and Weapons
The safety of our employees is extremely important to Dell. Dell employees are
prohibited from engaging in violence or other deliberate acts intended to harm another
person or his/her property. Similarly, Dell employees must not make threatening or
menacing comments, or behave in such a way that may threaten the personal safety or
property of another person. Violence or threats of violence should immediately be
reported to Dell Security.
Dell prohibits the possession, concealment, use or transfer of any firearm or other
weapon, including knives, clubs or other devices that are primarily used to inflict injury,
on Dell premises (including buildings, parking lots, walkways and any other property
leased or owned by Dell). These prohibitions also apply to Dell employees in any
location outside the home when conducting Dell business. Dell security personnel and
law enforcement officers are exempt from this provision.
Alcohol and Illegal Drugs
Alcohol and illegal drugs have no place in the workplace and are inconsistent with a safe
and productive work environment. With the exception of moderate and prudent alcohol
purchase of tickets for fund-raising events. Charitable contributions on behalf of Dell are
permissible only with the prior approval of Corporate Communications.
Confidential Information
Dell employees have a duty to protect confidential Dell information, as well as
confidential relationships between the company and its customers, suppliers and
shareholders. Even if you leave Dell, you are still legally and contractually obligated to
maintain the confidentiality of this information. It is a violation of Dell policy to use
confidential information obtained during employment at Dell for personal gain.
You should use extreme caution when discussing confidential information in public
places. In addition, confidential information should never be discussed with non-Dell
employees, including family members and friends, and should only be provided to or
discussed with Dell employees for valid business reasons.
Dell employees are expected to take reasonable precautions to ensure the physical
security of confidential information and facilities.
If you have questions in regard to any of these guidelines, contact your Regional Ethics
office or the Legal department.
International Trade Import and Export Control
Many countries have laws that regulate the import and export of goods, services, software
and technology. In particular, U.S. laws mandate very specific requirements that must be
complied with before an export of goods, services, software or technology occurs. Failure
to comply with these regulations may constitute a crime and the sanctions for noncompliance can include fines and imprisonment for Dell and for any responsible
individuals. A corporation that does not comply may also be denied the right to
participate in export trade.
Dell will comply with all laws of the United States and those of other countries that may
apply, concerning the import or export of goods, services, software and technology.
You should obtain advice from the World Wide Export Compliance Organization before
making any commitment concerning the export from the United States or another country
of any of the items listed above, or if you have questions about Dell's or your compliance
obligations in this area.
Government Contracts and Relations
Our business relationships with our government customers
are important to our continued success. We want to avoid
even the appearance of an impropriety when dealing with
our government customers.
As a government contractor, Dell is subject to detailed
procurement and personnel regulations adopted by the governments with which we conduct business. Every employee
involved in the verification or signing of certifications related
to these regulations must ensure that the information is
accurate and complete and that they posses the authority to
sign these certifications on behalf of Dell. Failure to do so
could result in suspension or debarment from government
business, in addition to serious criminal and civil liability for
Dell and individual employees.
20
Open Door Policy
Open communication is a cornerstone of Dell's culture. Dell's direct business model demands straightforward and open communication between
Dell, its customers, suppliers, partners, shareholders and other stakeholders.
Dell employees deserve no less.
Every Dell employee should feel comfortable dealing directly with his or her
manager, other members of management, and representatives of the Human
Resources department regarding any employment-related issue, or to resolve